Hamas says Israel’s attacks in Yemen after Houthi rebels fired a missile at the country were a “dangerous development”, Al Jazeera reports.

“We regard this escalation as a dangerous development and an extension of the aggression against our Palestinian people, Syria and the Arab region,” Hamas said in a statement as Israel struck ports and energy infrastructure in Yemen after intercepting a missile attack by the Houthis.

Al Masirah TV, the main news outlet run by the Houthis, said nine people were killed in Israeli attacks on the western province of Hodeidah, including seven people in the port of as-Salif and two people at the Ras Isa oil facility.

Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, called on the Houthis to launch more attacks on Israel.

“We commend the missile attack carried out by our loyal brothers, the Ansar Allah in Yemen, targeting the heart of the Zionist entity,” the group said in a separate statement.

“We praise their steadfast support for Gaza and call on them to escalate their attacks until the occupation submits and ends its genocidal war.”